Russia’s gasoline production fell to around 70% of domestic consumption levels by the end of August after a series of drone attacks forced several major oil refineries to suspend operations, according to two industry sources.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure as part of efforts to reduce Moscow’s oil revenues and disrupt its fuel supply. The attacks have contributed to the return of gasoline shortages in several Russian regions following a brief improvement at the end of July, when some local authorities began easing or lifting restrictions on fuel sales.
According to the sources, gasoline output at the end of August had dropped to approximately the same level recorded in early July, when Russia was experiencing the peak of the first wave of a fuel crisis that had been developing since May.
Major Refineries Hit
Over the past week, drones targeted and disrupted operations at several major Russian refineries, including facilities in Perm, Nizhny Novgorod and Yaroslavl.
The three plants are among Russia’s significant producers of motor gasoline, making the disruptions particularly important for the country’s domestic fuel market.
The decline in refinery operations is putting additional pressure on gasoline supplies at a time when Russia is already facing regional shortages and restrictions on fuel sales.
The latest disruptions highlight the growing impact of Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure, with repeated attacks targeting key facilities involved in refining and supplying fuel to the domestic market.
